A Foregone Conclusion

Name: A Foregone Conclusion
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature

About This Book

Don Ippolito, a frugal Venetian priest and obsessive inventor, devotes himself to delicate mechanical models and experimental devices while he endures social suspicion and financial insecurity. After losing his position as a tutor when his pupil marries, he pins hopes on transatlantic opportunity and visits the American consul seeking recognition. The narrative traces his mixture of ingenuity, embarrassment, and stubborn optimism, observing tensions between clerical duty and inventive ambition, the romanticization of technological progress abroad, and the quiet pathos of unappreciated talent.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.